Birmingham Royal Ballet triumphs in Japan

BIRMINGHAM Royal Ballet has declared its recent tour of Japan a success.

BIRMINGHAM Royal Ballet has declared its recent tour of Japan a success.

The company toured cities including Tokyo and Nagoya in the aftermath of the massive earthquake which ripped through the country in March and the subsequent fears over the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant.

They raised £10,000 for its victims and those caught in the tsunami during their performances and an online auction.

And BRB chief executive Christopher Barron said it was the right decision.

“We were overwhelmed by the warm response given to BRB by the Japanese audience and promoters.”

The company performed Peter Wright’s The Sleeping Beauty and Frederick Ashton’s The Dream and Daphnis and Chloë during the three-week tour.

British ambassador to Japan David Warren said the visit was vital in helping restore confidence.

“I am so pleased that the company went ahead with the tour, in spite of the tragic events of March,” he said.

“It’s absolutely crucial to get the message across that Japan is a safe destination.”